.......snip... they've created with the sideways battery, laydown shock, and underbelly exhaust. It really is a tidy package - the bike feels smaller than it weighs, and it is very flickable.

Maybe I'm demonstrating how little I know about these things, but given the configuration on the underside, could a centerstand be mounted? If it could, would it be very stable given the width of the frame? When I'm working on it or won't be riding it for a while I put the rear on a PitBull stand.

Maybe I'm demonstrating how little I know about these things, but given the configuration on the underside, could a centerstand be mounted? If it could, would it be very stable given the width of the frame? When I'm working on it or won't be riding it for a while I put the rear on a PitBull stand.

Ogre took this one, but there really isn't any place to mount it, as the frame doesn't extend below the motor or exhaust. Look at that versys centerstand, holy shit what an ugly convoluted mess. I guess it works, but, wow.

Next dumb question - what are the advantages of having a center stand?

(The only things I can think of, are chain maintenance and tire inspection/repair away from home.)

My FZ6 came stock with one, and that is the long and short of it. Chain lubrication and adjustment, tire changes, etc. Only other nice thing is when fully loaded with luggage and stopped on soft ground, I'll put it on the centerstand to both level the load and keep it from auguring in. A sidestand puck or crushed soda can fixes that just as easily.

Fantastic! Whoever is running Kawasaki these days is doing a fabulous job. Honda could take a hint.

I agree. I had an 06 650R. Put 35k miles on it. After a VFR800 decided to go back to the 650 and now have a versys and love it. And its damn reliable. Kawasaki seems to listen to owners and update their motorcycles on a regular basis. Definitely the best line up in the US from the asian brands. Would love to have a C14 as well. And maybe the Ninja 1000.

Kawasaki's whole line of 650 twins are just excellent I'd love to see them switch to a 270 degree crank sometime though for a bit more visceral feel and sound, otherwise there's not much wrong with them and the pricing sure can't be beat.

I agree. I had an 06 650R. Put 35k miles on it. After a VFR800 decided to go back to the 650 and now have a versys and love it. And its damn reliable. Kawasaki seems to listen to owners and update their motorcycles on a regular basis. Definitely the best line up in the US from the asian brands. Would love to have a C14 as well. And maybe the Ninja 1000.